Dr. Varone

Education

Dr. Karen Varone grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA and completed her undergraduate degree at Penn State University. She attended the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore, Maryland, where she found a love of helping others through her volunteer work with Operation Smile, which allowed her to travel all over the globe and work with patients from different cultures and backgrounds. From there she attended the prestigious Ohio State University where she received specialty training in orthodontics as well as a master's degree in oral biology. Dr. Varone's graduate research concentrated on patients' satisfaction with orthodontic treatment, something she strives to bring to Varone Orthodontics.

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Varone practiced orthodontics in the Washington DC area before moving to Sarasota in 2004. Dr. Varone is a board certified diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). She believes her patients deserve the very best treatments available and is passionate about staying up to date on the latest developments in orthodontics, including clear aligner treatment with Invisalign. She is a VIP Diamond Plus Provider of Invisalign due to the large amount of clinical experience she has had treating patients with Invisalign. Dr. Varone is one of the few certified providers of Incognito lingual braces in Sarasota. Dr. Varone also works with local dental assisting programs giving lectures and training students.

ABO Certification

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929 as the global leader in orthodontic board certification which sets the standards of care for excellence in orthodontics. The ABO is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontics.

The mission of the ABO is “to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.” (source: ABO https://www.americanboardortho.com/about-abo/)

What Does it Mean to be Board Certified?

A board certified orthodontist (also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics) like Dr. Varone has volunteered to be examined by his or her peers to assess both knowledge and skills. This achievement exemplifies the dedication of an orthodontist to a continued pursuit of excellence and expertise in the field of orthodontics. This certification is the final step in an extensive journey through dental and orthodontic education in order to ultimately provide the highest quality of treatment.

To become ABO certified, orthodontists pass a 3-part rigorous set of written and clinical examinations in addition to a comprehensive review of his or her credentials. Successful completion of the initial process, which can take anywhere from 5-10 years, represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that they possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to treat patients to the highest standards. Further, each board certified orthodontist must renew their certification every 10 years, demonstrating their ongoing excellence.

How Does an Orthodontist Receive Certification?

2-4 years undergraduate degree
3-4 years in dental school
Pass the licensing exams
Acceptance into an accredited orthodontic program
2-3 years in an accredited orthodontic residency program
Completion of the ABO written exam
Completion of the ABO clinical exam
Renewal of ABO certification every 10 years

Is Every Orthodontist Board Certified?

The short answer is no. Only about one in three orthodontists have completed board certification. The ABO certification process represents a special accomplishment and a critical step beyond the advanced education required to become an orthodontist. An orthodontist who has completed the certification has years of experience in the dental industry, has passed multiple examinations proving his or her professional knowledge and ability, and will be up-to-date in the latest advancements and newest technologies in the field.

Invisalign vip diamond plus

VIP Diamond Plus is the highest status that an orthodontist can earn and is Invisalign’s way of recognizing the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America. It requires that an orthodontist complete at least 800 total cases and continues to perform 200 cases every 6 months (400 a year)! As a VIP Diamond Plus provider, Dr. Varone is by far the most highly qualified orthodontist in her region to address almost every case, no matter how complex, using Invisalign clear aligners.

Diamond + is a top 1% invisalign provider in 2023.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Dr. Varone has always had a love of the beach so she feels quite at home in Sarasota. She loves all types of fitness, and you can find her (and her kids) representing Varone Orthodontics at the Siesta Key summer beach runs as well as many other local runs and events. She is a big supporter of local schools and community organizations, finding time to volunteer in the classrooms at Ashton Elementary and Pine View School where her children attend.

Dr. V and her husband live in Sarasota with their two young boys who keep them very busy! She enjoys cooking, especially the Italian recipes her mother and grandmother taught her. Dr V and her family enjoy boating and traveling and she has recently taken up golf so she can keep up with the boys as they improve!